Hey, you Scripture-memory buffs! I pray that your verses are bearing fruit and that they’re right there on the tip of your tongue when you’re tempted to say something the polar opposite of God’s will. That’s one of many things I like about memory work. It’s seems out of place to use the same mouth that has been spouting Scripture to spout off a bunch of trash. That doesn’t mean we never do it but it does mean we’re likely to feel miserable over it and think twice the next time.
Two times in a row our SSMT has fallen on a Bible study day so I am forced to be much briefer than I’d like. My heart toward you is bigger than my words, particularly today. Tonight’s lesson is especially pressing because I’m further behind in preparation than I’d normally be if I hadn’t had a taping over the weekend and spent the end of last work-week getting ready for it. Yada yada yada. I am woman, hear me whine.
I bet some of you feel the same way I’ve felt over the last week: too much on your plate. Looking at all of it in one big heap on your desk or your calendar can be demoralizing. Thursday I had one of those days when you can hardly make it to your car after work without bursting into tears. On the way home I felt like God was telling me to humble myself and get the word out that I needed prayer and by the next day I felt a world better. (Some nights you just go to bed early out of love for the people who live with you.) A couple of other things have really helped me today. They seem elementary but, if so, why don’t we ever seem to learn them once and for all? Here’s what they are: Remembering to…
1) TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME! God’s grace really is sufficient and He really does meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. As much as we want to see all that manna heaped up in a mountain of provision a week in advance alongside those upcoming demands, His promise in Philippians 4:19 is to meet each one AT THE TIME WE NEED IT. Thank You, Lord. If we could learn to live in this present moment with this present provision, oh, man, life would be so much less stressful, wouldn’t it?
2) SAY NO. I have managed to get that most distasteful word for the people-pleasure out of my mouth two times today to people I really, really, really didn’t want to say no to. People I love a ton. People I want very much to please. But the fact is, I don’t have a single other yes in my pocket right now. Not one. For this moment, I am completely bereft of extra yeses. Anybody else? So it’s got to be no. Help us, Lord. We need so much help to say yes to no.
Anyway, that’s not what we’re doing on here today. We’re on here to spout off our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 4!
I am continuing out of the Book of James. This round I’m going with James 3:17 –
Beth, Houston. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.” James 3:17 The NET Bible (Is that a mouthful or what??)
For any of you who could use some ideas, the alternative verse I’m selecting for today outside of James may as well be the one I mentioned a couple of paragraphs earlier. If you’ve never memorized this one, stick it toward the top of your list. It’s a staple in the mental pantry of the believer.
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
And from The Message:
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
And that is a promise, Sweet Thing. Eyes up. Chins up. Joy up.
And maybe…just maybe…say yes to no.
Just for fun, here are a couple of pictures from Valentine’s dinner last night. We didn’t have the Fitzpatricks with us because they had their own plans for their third anniversary. Can you believe it’s been that long? We missed them but had a ton of fun anyway. Here are two darling couples I got to stare at across the table. I love them each so much.
We are ecstatic to have Travis and Angela in town and the rest of the worship team lands today. They’ll lead us tonight at Bible study. Wooooohooooooo!
Are they darling or what? For any of you newcomers, that’s Amanda, my firstborn, and Curtis, her wonderful man.
This picture didn’t come out well because the lighting was so bright so I did it in black and white and it looked even goofier but, anyway, at least you know I really did go with them to dinner.
And, in case I haven’t yet bored you to utter oblivion, here is one more that Trav took with his phone:
OK, that’s it! If you’re missing my Valentine, he had to be out of town for a work thing but I will see him soon and got beautiful roses and funny text messages all day.
Let’s hear each of your fourth verses, Siestas! Name, city, verse and translations please!
I love you guys.
Bev, Louisville, KY
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess. 5:18 NIV
Susan in Stillwater, OK Phil 4:19 NET
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Boise, Idaho – And my God will supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. NIV
Debra from Coppell, TX
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Melissa, New York City
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
Joan,Portage,
“It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
1 John 3:19-20 NLT
Ellen, Santa Maria, CA
Phil. 4:19, NIV’10: And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Mary, Marshfield WI
“And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NET
Kim, Center, TX
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey it, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. –James 1:22-24 (NLT)
April, Magnolia, TX
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let you left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV
AJ, Berkeley, CA: “He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”-Job 1:21
Kelly, Roby
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Jennifer Meridiaville, Al
For we walk by Faith not by sight
2 Corinthians~5:7
After my sons 6 hour surgery for Spinal Fusion surgery i need this verse as we look at a very long recovery!
And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Donna- Spanaway Wa.
Wendy, San Antonio, TX:
“If I speak with the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1
Lauren – Lexington, KY
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5 NASB
temple Colassions 3:12 NIV Therefore as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Sooz, Springfield, Virginia
Continuing my memorization of Psalm 91…
Psalm 91:3-4 (NLT),
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Amanda, McKinney
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Emily, Ida Grove, Iowa- Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? -Isaiah 40:12 NIV
Kaylie, Vega TX ” Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His mercy endures forever!” 1Ch 16:34 NKJV
Melanie, Sweetwater TN
Psalm 9:10 NIV “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Vickie in Baytown, TX
So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips
Psalm 63: 4-5 Amplified version
(Sorry if this is a duplicate as I could not find my post from yesterday.)
Karen, Auburn, AL
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Marilyn, Sykesville MD
Ps.71:18 NIV
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name in heaven given to man by which we must be saved.
Mark 4:12
Karen, Denver. “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:19 (The Message)
*I had another verse in mind for this half of the month, but this one really spoke to me Beth! Thanks for mentioning it 🙂
Kari, Colorado Springs
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
Beth, Cleveland
John 15:7-8, RSV
7-If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8-By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.
Each of you should decide in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Katrina, Wilmington, NC
Jeanine
Athens, NY
Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Arlette, Cheney, WA
II Chronicles 28:9-10 (NLT)
And Solomon, my son,[Arlette, my daughter,]learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek Him you will find Him. But if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. So take this seriously. The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as His sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.
Pam, San José, Costa Rica
And my God will supply your ever need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NET Bible
April, Oak Ridge, TN
“He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber not sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NIV
Melody, Ocean Springs, Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Rhonda McClellan, Newnan, Georgia
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18 NIV
Katrina, Wilmington, NC
“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” Isaiah 55:12 (NLT)
Morgen from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:25-27 KJV
Taryn from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 NKJV
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. Psalm 118:13
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Kim–Olympia, WA
This is a timely word for me. Even the part in parentheses(Some nights you just go to bed early out of love for the people who live with you.) I am heavy today and so weary. I got sleep but not rest. Too much to get into detail but being a full-time working mama and juggling time with family/friends/getting hair done/going to the store. My husband says I am always gone but I am only gone doing the necessities. I haven’t even got together alone with a girlfriend in months. What’s worse is he makes me feel guilty when I stay up late to spend time with the Lord. That is the best time for me. The mornings I am too busy getting myself ready and the kids to have real time with God. Definitely needing a lot of wisdom right now, a gentle tongue and maybe even just keeping my mouth shut. But I was thinking today I am not even involved in ministry. What can I do if I am confined to home and don’t feel I can build relationships b/c of my husband’s insecurities? I’m rambling… Thank you for any prayers/wisdom.
Lesia from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.”
Psalm 147:3-5 NKJV
Lisa , willimantic CT Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col 3:12 NIV
NIV Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Kelly, Hermiston, OR
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28 NKJV
Holly, Lafayette, IN – Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
6-7Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Karen from Martinsville, NJ
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
~Daniel 12:3 (NIV)
Ashley N., El Dorado, AR
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NIV